The Best Director

"Hey, Mary, do you think you can stop me by opening your hands?" Wang Yang slapped the basketball in his hand, looked at Jessica who was wearing a Lakers jersey and shorts in front of him, and accelerated his steps. He smiled and said, "See how I beat you!" Jessica, with her hands open, quickly blocked him, blocking his breakthrough route, and said with a clear voice, "Come on, let me see your skills!"

The green plastic basketball court has only one side of the ball frame, and it is surrounded by lush green grass. There are many plants in the back garden, and there are all kinds of beautiful ones. There are small flower beds for flowers, and a transplanted, lush and huge phoenix tree. (Reading the novel) This is their new home. It is different from the palace-style mansion of the Smith family. The rural-style main house here is only two stories high. Swimming pool, but they all felt it was adequate.

As early as the end of August, after the two confirmed their idea of ​​living together, they began to look for a suitable ready-made house. It would be too late to start construction after buying a land. On the recommendation of a real estate agent, Wang Yang took time out to choose with Jessica when he was busy with editing. After more than a month, he bought the house at a price of 6 million, and the two became beavers. Residents of Lee Hill.

Beverly Hills has pleasant scenery, beautiful environment, complete shopping, dining, entertainment and other facilities, and is very close to Hollywood, with convenient transportation. It is a good place to live, but there is no beach. Wang Yang plans to go to Santa Monica or Malibu to buy a piece of land in the future, design and build a house as a vacation villa.

It has been more than half a month since the two moved into their new home. Cohabitation can help each other understand each other better and more. Being different is the side of ordinary life. Any habits and attitudes will be exposed to each other, which may promote Feelings, too, can make one party feel disgusted and bored. Fortunately, the two people's life philosophy is very consistent, and there is no annoying, let alone intolerable habit. After living together, they both find that they seem to be inseparable from each other. Every day when they wake up, they can see each other's face at first glance. It's a really good taste.

And every evening, they will play ball when they have time. The "bang bang" sound of hitting the ball kept ringing, and the friction between the two's sneakers and the ground continued. Wang Yang dribbled the ball and bent forward, laughing: "Don't you know my skills? Um...!" Sika gasped slightly, and said with a smile, "Yang, fuck you!" Taking advantage of her inattention, Wang Yang suddenly withdrew his body and took a step back, aimed at the basket and raised the ball to shoot. With a swish sound, it went hollow into the basket.

Jessica looked back at the basketball bouncing on the ground, propped her waist up and pretended to be angry: "You always disturb my attention! That doesn't count!" Wang Yang smiled as he walked over to Jiang Ye to pick up the ball : "Reggie Miller would say 'Michael, you're always talking trash, doesn't that count, does it? Jesse, whether you recognize it or not, the score is now 10:3, and I will win with one more ball! Jessica gritted her teeth unconvinced, and said with a smile: "Yang, never underestimate the heart of a champion!" "

"Oh, yes! But that sentence is based on level, if not,

So like this season's Warriors can't beat the Lakers, you can't beat me. ,, Wang Yang patted the ball and walked back beyond the top arc three-point line, tugged at the collar of the Warriors jersey on his body, and said with a smile: "Don't you know? I can enter the school team in high school. I also have a nickname called God's left hand, they all say I'm Chris Zhoulin."

Jessica rolled her eyes with a smile, stepped forward to defend him, and said, "So what, I won't lose." Wang Yang dribbled the ball under his crotch, and said with a smile, "Show me that! Jessica suddenly stepped forward to hug him, snatched the ball roughly, turned around and made a quick layup, and with a bang, she looked at the dazed Wang Yang and smiled, "10:4" Wang Yang wiped his forehead sweat, and helplessly said: "Hey, beauty, you are fouling!"

"Ha, do I have one?" Jessica came back leisurely patted the ball, said with a sweet smile, "Yang, this is not nb, this is a boyfriend-girlfriend game, the rules are up to me, I said no Foul." Wang Yang suddenly realized and nodded, and said: "What a rascal with the heart of a championship! Then I'm not welcome." After that, he rushed forward with all his teeth and claws. Jessica held the ball tightly in her arms, avoiding his grabbing, and shouted with a smile: "Go away! Bastard..."

After laughing for a while, Wang Yang finally lost the game by 10:11 under Jessica's shame. The two came to the wooden table and chairs in the garden. Jessica unscrewed a bottle of Gatorade and handed it to Wang Yang with a smile. Checking the time, he said, "Jessica, let's go get ready, the guests are coming soon." Jessica put down the drink in her hand, nodded and said, "Yes."

Their guests are Christopher Nolan and Dr. Emma Thomas. In a few days, it will be October 27, the release date of "Memory Fragments", and there will be 521 theaters showing it in the first week. In the call a few days ago, Emma Mars mentioned that Nolan wanted to shoot a new work, so Wang Yang simply invited Nolan's wife to come to be a guest, on the one hand to increase the friendship between friends, and on the other hand to talk about Talk about Nolan's new work.

Although it was a dinner-style guest, Wang Yang said on the phone that "no formal attire is required", so he and Jessica both wore ordinary and decent clothes. Emma Thomas who arrived was also dressed in ordinary clothes, but Nolan was dressed in formal clothes, or his "ordinary clothes" were like this, black suit trousers, plus a white shirt, but no tie.

In all the times when Wang Yang and Nolan met, Nolan always wore this outfit, with side-parted hair, not once. He really doubted whether Nolan’s wardrobe was full of shirts. Suit, just a slightly different color.

The living room of the new home is very spacious, and Jessica’s decoration is simple and elegant, which makes people feel warm and comfortable. In this regard, Wang Yang has to admit defeat, which is not surprising. There are also magazines on parenting and so on. The dinner hadn't started yet, Wang Yang and Nolan's wife were talking on the light-colored fabric sofa, while Jessica was cooking in the kitchen, preparing a sumptuous dinner.

"So, Chris, what is your new work plan?" Wang Yang looked at Nolan next to him, and asked, "Is it the same as last time? The biography of Howard-Hughes?"

Nolan nodded, and handed Wang Yang a thick script that had already been prepared, and said in a calm voice: "Howard-Hughes is a legend, he is very charming, and his story is also interesting. The first draft of this script was written by me. Co-written with my brother Jonathan Nolan, it is mainly adapted from two books, "Howard Hughes: The Secret Life" and "Citizen Hughes: Power, Money and Madness". My plan is to divide it into two parts, One is the first half of Narrow Ward's life, the story is adapted from "The Secret Life"; the second half of his life is adapted from "Citizen Hughes."

Emma Thomas, who was sitting next to Nolan, added: "Yan, I have already contacted the authors of the two books, Mr. Charles Higham and Mr. Michael Dosning, and they still have the copyright for the film adaptation." She smiled and said: "If someone adapts a movie, they are all happy to sell the copyright."

"Well, this is good news." Wang Yang took over the script and carefully read it. This script is only a first draft, and most of it is the story of the first half of his life. He didn't have this movie in his mind, but there was a movie "The Aviator" also adapted from "Howard-Hughes: The Secret Life". According to that little information, when Nolan wanted to shoot, he didn't pull it. Investment, the script has not yet been written, but the filming of "The Aviator" has been announced, which also made Nolan lose the opportunity to adapt.

If Nolan successfully filmed this Howard-Hughes biographical film, what kind of work would it be? Wang Yang frowned. From the audience's point of view, he was very happy to see this movie; from the company's business point of view, this is not an independent movie with millions of investment, it may be tens of millions, and the cost can be recovered ? He looked at the script in his hand, and suddenly smiled, what is there to think about, the money comes from the movie, and it has to be returned to the movie. Besides, he believes that with Nolan's ability and talent, this biographical film will be a masterpiece. As long as the publicity is proper, the box office plus peripherals should be able to recover the cost.

"Chris." Wang Yang looked up at Nolan, and asked with a smile, "I'm very interested in investing. How much will it cost to make the first part?" At this time, Jessica walked into the living room with a loud voice She wanted to greet them to the dining room, but she saw that their conversation seemed to be at a critical point, so she sat down beside Wang Yang without saying a word.

Hearing Wang Yang's question, Emma-Thomas and Nolan were already stunned, why did they come to this all of a sudden? Before they set off, they had discussions and discussions. They felt that Wang Yang would raise his own questions about the script and needed detailed consideration. Emma-Thomas also prepared a set of lobbying words. Even so, they all believed that the flame movie would have to wait until "Memory Fragments" was released. , depending on the results to make a decision. So this time they are guests, they just want to register an account, they never thought that it will be like this, then the young director will say "I am very interested in investing"

"So..." Emma-Thomas had an unbelievably pleasant smile on his face, and he was a little speechless; Nolan felt his heart twitch and beat fast, he thought for a while, calmed down, no Movingly said: "50 million."

Emma-Thomas said "Oh my God" in her heart. She secretly punched her husband's back. Pulling funds requires skill and coaxing! What you want is 50 million, but you have to say 30 million at the beginning, and then increase it step by step; If you are riding a tiger, you will usually recruit other companies to partner, so that the probability of success will be high. Of course, if you do this, your reputation as a producer will also be ruined. Unless the movie sells well later, investors will happily ignore it.

50000000? Wang Yang quickly thought about the company's finances. The global box office of "When Happiness Knocks on the Door" was fixed at 385 million. After deducting taxes, the company got more than 140 million in funds; The North American box office barely broke through 100 million and stopped at 101 million. The overseas box office was higher than North America as expected. It received 120 million, and the global box office was 221 million US dollars. It also brought more than 83.51 million after-tax to the company's account. income.

These are not counting the peripheral income of the two films. There are too many types of peripheral income, and he can't remember the specific situation for a while, but the company's box office revenue alone is 223.5 billion. He took out 20 million, 5 million to sponsor Robert Zemeckis's training academy, 6 million to buy a house, decoration, of course, living expenses, payment of personal taxes and so on. Anyway, Flame Company now has at least 200 million available funds.

Enough to make this "Mr. Hughes". Thinking of this, Wang Yang nodded and said with a smile to Nolan, "Chris, the investment of Flame Movie is 65 million, if it is not enough, we will add more." Jessica couldn't help but glanced at him, a big production of 65 million? His own biggest production cost was only 32 million.

Dr. Nolan was stunned again. Seeing Wang Yang thinking about it, they thought he thought 50 million was too much. Now he said 65 million? Emma-Thomas blinked, and only one voice in his heart said, "His courage really lives up to its reputation!" Now even Nolan lost his composure, he couldn't control his joy and surprise, and took off. "Yan, is this true?" he asked.

"Of course, you, Emma, ​​will be the producer? And Chris, you have the absolute right to find actors, how to shoot and edit, everything is according to your wishes." Wang Yang looked at the Nolans. Looking surprised, he spread his hands and smiled: "Please, what's the matter? Chris, I know your ability and talent, just let it go! I believe Huo Huo will get a good movie."

Emma-Thomas looked at her husband happily. Nolan took a few long and slow breaths, and his morale seemed to have returned. He looked at Wang Yang, and said calmly but firmly, "Thank you!"

"Hey, dinner is ready." Jessica said at the right time, Wang Yang dragged her hand to stand up, and smiled at Mrs. Nolan: "We will talk about it at dinner, but I think we will be I am fascinated by the delicious food, my girlfriend’s craftsmanship is incredible." Jessica smiled and said quietly: "Yang is the master chef, his Chinese food is so good, he should be in charge of the dinner."

Dr. Nolan stood up with a smile, and followed them to the dining room. Nolan looked at Wang Yang, who was laughing all the way, and still felt a little unbelievable. Is this all right? Yo. million investment? his movie? His eyes narrowed slightly, miraculously Yang, this guy who is ten years younger than him, thank you!

In order to add publicity to "Memento", Flame Films immediately announced the latest plan. It will produce a Howard-Hughes biographical film with an investment of more than 60 million. The director and screenwriter are both Christopher Nolan. The film is tentatively titled "Mr. Hughes" and is scheduled to be released in 2002.

The film industry, movie fans, and the media all opened their mouths in surprise once again. If the director is Wang Yang, no one will be surprised. At most, they will say "Oh, so soon, Fantastic Yang is coming again." But the director is Christopher Nolan. ,who is he? Director of Memento? That movie hasn't even been released yet! Flame Movie has already rushed to hand over 60 million to Nolan? Is this just magical Jan going mad intermittently? Or is this purely a hype?

After the screening of "Memento", will this "Mr. Hughes" plan be lost and delayed indefinitely? Studios and media are leaning towards this, and while fans of the movie mostly feel the same way, if it's really a hype, they're inevitably fooled and more curious about the upcoming "Memento" .

As early as Flame Films bought "Memento" at the Sundance Film Festival for 8 million, the publicity plan had already started. Its publicity budget was only 5 million. Except for some posters, the money was mainly used for the Internet Viral marketing on the Internet, "high IQ movies", "a new genre of suspense logic films, small "smart people can understand", etc., are all driven by some "watched this movie at Sundance Film Festival" and "participated Fans and audiences who had arranged a secret trial screening arranged by Flame Films were scattered everywhere, and of course they were the staff of Flame Films.

There are also various jigsaw puzzles and logic quizzes on the palace website of "Memento". The slogan is "Exercise your thinking ability and meet the challenge of this movie!"

The word challenge is the core of the official propaganda. Audiences who like to watch suspense and logic movies like to use their brains, and everyone thinks they are very smart. Especially for this type of audience, they are very competitive and curious. Get them interested, have a "see if you're that good" mentality, and they'll walk into the theater and challenge Memento. Then the entire publicity plan will be a success.

On October 27th, "Memento" landed in 521 theaters in North America, and a new game was launched on the official website, which listed the sequence number and content of each black-and-white color *plot of "Memento", which fans can freely combine Sorting, editing the real story that you think, and communicating and discussing with other fans.

The time to test the effectiveness of the publicity has arrived. During the three-day weekend box office on the 27th and 29th, "Memory Fragments" received 6.872 million box office, ranking fourth on the weekend box office list this week. For the last three, the number of their theaters is more than 2,000 or more than 3,000.

Although this dark horse result is not a miracle, it has surprised and regretted many film companies. They all thought that the box office of 5 million was the limit of "Memento", but now it has received close to 7 million in one weekend! What makes people shout "what are you kidding" is that fans of suspense movies are crazy. They are completely fascinated by this movie that makes people dizzy. In order to understand what's going on, they even watch a few scenes , and the score of "Memory Fragments" on imdb is as high as 10 points!

The film critic of "Los Angeles Times" said, "This is a very complex and thoughtful film, and it is undoubtedly a masterpiece." Yahoo Entertainment reported on the title "The Magical Gold Rush!" The independent film that no one cares about at Sundance was spotted by Flame Company. Don’t tell me it’s not the idea of ​​Miracle Young. The vision of this miraculous director is just as miraculous. We have reason to believe that “Mr. hype."

After six days of fighting, "Memento" received a box office of 9.847 million, and the time has come, November 1st, Halloween.

On this festival, Wang Yang and Jessica held a makeup party at home, and invited a lot of friends to participate in the fun, including Michael Pitt, Harry George, Zachary, Rachel, and Nolan and his wife, when Wang Yang, who was dressed as a zombie, saw Nolan in a suit and trousers and a white shirt, he couldn't help laughing: "Chris, what are you pretending to be!?" Nolan just smiled slightly and said : "Christopher Nolan."